health&wellness
The Eyes – Skin Cancer
and Sunglasses
Sunglasses Shopping Guide
Many people buy sunglasses without much thought.
BY DR. THOMAS P. FINLEY, OPTOMETRIST
We love the sun, but unfortunately, the
sun’s invisible rays are very dangerous.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
in the United States. Million of skin cancers are
diagnosed annually. Every year there are more
new cases of skin cancer than the combined
incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung
and colon. One in five Americans will develop
skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. And over
the past 31 years, more people have had skin
cancer than all other cancers combined.
Skin cancers commonly occur on or around the
eyelids. Eyelid skin cancers can cause significant
tissue damage and blindness, and can spread
into the nasal and eye cavities surrounding the
eye. Many people do not think about eyelid
skin cancers, but because the skin is so thin
and delicate, the eyes and surrounding areas
are particularly prone to cancers. It’s an area
often forgotten to be protected from the sun.
Early detection is essential, but may be difficult
because eyelid tumors often grow under the skin
for years before presenting on the surface. Early
warning signs include:
• a lump or bump that frequently bleeds or does
not disappear;
• persistent red eye or inflammation of the
eyelids that does not respond to medication;
• newly acquired flat or elevated pigmented
lesions that have irregular borders and growth;
• unexplained loss of eyelashes.
Prevention is critical and relatively easy.
Sunscreens and moisturizers specially
formulated for the eye area make wearing an
SPF 15 or higher sunscreen daily on this sensitive
skin much easier. Additionally, sunglasses have
become the ultimate fashion accessory as well
as an effective way to protect the eyes from the
sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
In addition to skin cancers, the sun’s harmful
UV radiation can cause premature cataracts,
macular degeneration, bumps and lumps on
the eye’s surface, and photokeratitis, sometimes
called snow blindness, which is a temporary
but painful sunburn of the eye’s surface. Widebrimmed hats and caps can block out some
UV radiation from the eyes but sunglasses
blocking UV light offers the best protection.
Good quality sunglasses will also minimize the
sun’s brightness and glare that interferes with
comfortable vision and the ability to see clearly.
They help prevent squinting and watery eyes,
and help a person adapt quicker going from light
to dark surroundings and vice versa.
Children’s Eyes are More Sensitive
Children’s eyes are naturally more sensitive to
environmental factors that can be damaging to
their eyes. The average child receives three times
the annual UV exposure than an adult. The lens
of the eye of a child under age 10 allows more
than six times the amount of UV radiation to
penetrate than an adult’s eye. When you protect
the skin around your eyes, and everywhere else,
during the first 18 years of your life, the risk
of cancer is likely to be reduced by 50%. This
means that in addition to regular eye exams, you
should make sure your children’s eyes and skin
are protected from UV rays whenever they are
outside. Protect your children’s eyes from the sun
with UV-blocking lenses, including prescription
Transitions lenses, wide-brimmed hats covering
the eyes, ears, face and neck, and sunscreen.
They’ll buy a new pair every spring with an
emphasis on fashion over function. They’ll buy a
cheap pair because they tend to be careless and
loose them frequently. They rarely think about
being in the sun and the harmful UV effects on
their eyes and the skin around their eyes.
Quality sunglasses can possess both function and
fashion. They will cost more than the cheap dime
store novelties, but you’ll be much more likely to
take better care of them too. You’ll look better,
your vision will be better because of the better
lens optics, you’ll experience less strain from
squinting, and you’ll receive proper protection.
Sunglasses should:
• block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and
UV-B radiation;
• screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;
• be perfectly free of distortion and imperfection;
• be polarized to reduce glare of reflected light.
Gray tints are more natural and do not
affect other colors as much. Brown lenses
help improve contrast. People should wear
sunglasses outdoors all year round whether
they are working, driving, or doing any outdoor
recreational activity.
Dr. Thomas P. Finley received
his Bachelor of Science degree
from St. Francis University
in Pennsylvania, and his
Doctorate of Optometry from
the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry. Following graduation,
he served as an optometry officer
in the United States Air Force
and was awarded the Meritorious
Service Medal and the Commendation Medal.
Dr. Finley has served as an adjunct clinical professor
for three optometry schools, and has been a clinical
investigator for two major contact lens companies.
He has published several articles in professional and
trade journals and local newspapers and has also
lectured at educational conferences.
Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy
of Optometry, a Fellow of the Virginia Academy of
Optometry, and a member of the American Optometric
Association, Virginia Optometric Association, and
Northern Virginia Optometric Society. He is an
Advisory Board member for TLC Laser Eye Centers.
North America's Premier
Network of Private
Practice Optometrists
Dr. Finley's Family
Eyecare Optometrists
709 Pine Street
Herndon, VA 20170
703-471-7810
www.drfinley.net
Free Eyeglass Frame
up to $100 value
Featuring
with purchase of iZon High Definition Lenses. Must
purchase complete pair of eyeglasses. Cannot be
combined with any other offer or insurance. Must
present this coupon. Some other restrictions apply.
Expires December 15, 2012.
TM
Locally, Dr. Finley serves as an active member of the
Herndon Rotary Club (past president), Chamber of
Commerce (past board member), Optimist Club (youth
sports’ coach), and Knights of Columbus (past board
member). He serves on the board of the Jeanie Schmidt
Free Clinic. He was awarded Herndon’s “Distinguished
Service Award,” the Chamber of Commerce’s
“Small Business of the Year Award,” and The Times
Newspapers “Best Eye Doctor Award.” He has owned
his Herndon optometry practice since 1989.
Dr. Finley was recently recognized by the
Virginia Optometric Association as Distinguished
Optometrist of the Year.
September/October 2012 | N OVAWOMA N .C OM
7